Description
This is lot number 129 in the Bonhams Zoute sale on October 6th, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Matching numbers example
In the same family collection since 1998
Driven by Catherine Deneuve in 'Les Liaisons Dangereuses' (2003)
4. 0-litre engine, circa 255 bhp, top speed circa 230 km/ h
Recent complete engine restoration (circa 35, 000 spent)
Property from the collection of a private Belgian gentleman
Belgian registration document
"We do not suppose there are many cars whose names conjure up an aura of exotic glamour to the same extent as that of Maserati. Even now, many years after the company has withdrawn from any form of competition, past glories linger on." - Sporting Motorist.
Maserati's survival strategy for the 1960s centred on establishing the company - which hitherto had mainly concentrated on its Grand Prix and sports car racing activities - as a producer of road cars. The Modena marque's new era began in 1957 with the launch at the Geneva Salon of the Touring-bodied 3500 GT. A luxury '2+2', the 3500 GT drew heavily on Maserati's competition experience, employing a tubular chassis frame and an engine derived from the 350S sports car unit of 1956. Suspension was independent at the front by wishbones and coil springs, while at the back there was a conventional live axle/ semi-elliptic arrangement. The 3500 GT's designer was none other than Giulio Alfieri, creator of the immortal Tipo 60/ 61 'Birdcage' sports-racer and the man responsible for developing the 250F into a World Championship winner. The twin-overhead-camshaft, six-cylinder engine was a close relative of that used in the 250F and developed around 220bhp initially, later examples producing 235bhp on Lucas mechanical fuel injection. Built initially with drum brakes and four-speed transmission, the 3500 GT was progressively updated, gaining five speeds, front disc brakes and, finally, all-disc braking.
The next development of the theme arrived in 1962. Built on the short-wheelbase chassis of the Vignale-bodied 3500 GT spyder, the Sebring coupé featured a five-speed gearbox, disc brakes and fuel injection as standard equipment, with automatic transmission, air conditioning and a limited-slip differential available as options.
Last of these classic six-cylinder Maseratis, the Pietro Frua-styled Mistral commenced production in 1963. The 3. 7-litre version of the Bolognese manufacturer's famous long-stroke engine was fitted to most cars, other options being the 3. 5-litre or, from 1966, the 4. 0-litre unit, all of which came with Lucas fuel injection. Top speed, depending on the engine size, was around 245-255km/ h (152-158mph). A handsome two-seater on a shortened, square-tube chassis, the aluminium-bodied Mistral was built in coupé and spyder versions, the former's opening rear window hatch making it unusually practical for a sports car. A five-speed gearbox, disc brakes, and fuel injection were standard equipment; automatic transmission, air conditioning, and a limited-slip differential the options. As one would expect of a top-of-the-range Maserati, the Mistral Spyder offers a delightful blend of power, handling, and comfort, proving the enviable owner with a dynamic and stylish driving experience. Production ceased in 1970, by which time a total of 828 coupés and 123 spyders had been built.
This Maserati Mistral 4000 Spyder was produced in April 1968 and was delivered with an Oro Longchamps (metallic gold) paint and a red leather interior in the Barcelona aera, in Spain. First registered on 16th May 1968, the car left Spain to Belgium where it has belonged to the same family since 1998 - a real family legacy.
In 2003, this Mistral featured in the French mini-series Les Liaisons Dangereuses, based on Choderlos de Laclos' scandalous novel of the same name. Driven by Catherine Deneuve as the Marquise de Merteuil, this car is associated with one of France's most celebrated actresses, renowned for her exceptional talent and distinctive beauty. Deneuve, a style icon and symbol of French cinema, has cemented her status as one of the most influential actresses in film history through her remarkable performances and screen presence.
The car benefits from a recent complete engine rebuild costing around 35, 000 and is ready to use. It is now fitted with three Weber carburettors, and the original fuel injection system will be delivered with the car. The hardtop will also be included. The accompanying documentation includes invoices, a comprehensive photographic record of the engine overhaul, and photocopies of previous Spanish and Belgian registration documents.
